South Island, New Zealand

Being in Australia everyone kept telling us how friendly kiwi's are.  And yes, the inhabitants of New Zealand calls themselves kiwi's, which is really the name of a famous bird that does only exist in New Zealand. It's silly, I know - it's not like Australian walkes around calling themselves kangaroos? Anyway, apparently kiwi's are renowned for being the friendliest people in the western world. I had a hard time believing that there where such thing as being more friendly than Aussies. Our first hour in New Zealand proved us wrong. 

Christchurch

 After 3 slepless hour on the plans we reached the land of New Zealand at 5 am, and got through immigration without further complications. Cam, who is originally from christchurch had us sorted with  accommodation  for the night at his cousins friends who's living in town. Waiting for the first bus to leave, 3 different bus drivers tried to help us out finding the right one (even if we already knew which one do take) and insisted in following us to it making sure we'd get on safely. That's how friendly they are! 

Whithout any trouble, we got on the right bus, managed to get off at the right suburb and find our way to the right house. Which i found impressive due to my sense of direction. As our Australian phones wouldn't work in NZ, and we hadn't been in contact with these guys ourselves, we simply had to knock on the door at 7am hope for someone to welcome us. We where standing outside a cute little streethouse, with the number 2 written on the letterbox. It felt a bit weird standing outside a strangers house at this early hours, but eventually the door opened by a young, blond guy who had obviously just woke up. 

-  Hi, we said nervously. You were expecting us, I hope? 

-  Yeah. Sure,  come on in. 

-  sorry for waking you up, I said while climbing through the doorway 

-  It's fine, I have to get to work anyway. 

James kindly showed us around his house that was shared between 7 people, and we joined him in the kitchen as he was getting ready for work. 

Stina and I slept all morning, but when we finally made it out of bed in early afternoon we got ourselves into the city. It's not much left of the city these days. The earthquake 4 years ago destroyed it all, and the majority of the population moved elsewhere. Today, the city itself is mainly construction work  in a desperation to build the city back up. We walked down empty street after empty street that finally brought us to the beautiful botanical garden. 

We met James at the supermarket on our way back. He gave us a lift home, and for hours we sat in the back garden drinking beers and having highly intense discussions about death penalties. Cams cousin Brendan, who had been the one bringing us in contact with James, came over as he finished work. We stay'd up a few hours too long drinking a few beers to many but finally made it to bed. 

Dunedin 

We got up early to start our hitchhiking towards queenstown. The hardest part is always to get out of the city, where you're more likely to get a lift. Last years hitching sign 'anywhere please' which has been lying in our closet for almost a year was finally ready to be used again. Highly excited we hit the road, where we where surprised to se another couple hitching a ride. It didn't took us longer than a few minutes before a car stopped for us offering a ride to Milton which we kindly approached. 4 different cars finally brought us to not Queenstown but Dunedin in the end of the day. We like to be open for suggestion when it comes to final destinations, as our sign does say 'anywhere please'. As long as it's somewhere we haven't already been.  

Checking into a hostel in town we met a couple of Canadian guys in our room who happily joined us for food. As Dunedin itself didn't have too much to offer we ended up spending the evening together with the Canadians over a case of beer, playing games and chatting away.

Te Anou 

We had an interesting mixture of people picking us up on our way towards queenstown. An older man who used to be a hitchhiker himself back in the days, and who are more than happy to drive our of his way to pick people up to pay the favor back. Him followed by a very wierd big man in a youth. We all squeezed into the front seat, and as we chatted away about travelling he mention that he couldn't get a passport given that he's been in and out of prison a few times to many. Stina and I shared worried looks, but he calmed so down with the fact that it hadn't been anything serious. As we got dropped off in the middle of noway, 2 young German backpackers stopped for us and drive us to Alexandria. It's the first time we've been picked up by other backpackers. They where really nice and more relaxing, Which is nice for a change. Somewhere along the way we spontaneously decided to head for Te Anou instead for Queenstown and the last bit we hitched standing at the side of a road with the most beautiful scenery behind us before getting a lift to our final destination. 

Milford sound on a cloudy rainy day

We planned to head for Milford Sound the next morning, which is renowned for its fjord and spectacular mountain views. The weather didn't look too good as we woke up,  and the receptions irk warned us did storm, hail and heavy rain. We laughed, and headed off anyway. Neighter Stina or I was to impressed about it, despite the fact that both of us have experienced the fjords of Norway. We would probably have enjoyed if more with better weather. A German couple picked us up to drive us back towards Te Anou. We planned to stop for a trek on the way but as the rain started to get even heavier we decided to skip it this time and headed straight back.      

Invercargill 

We left for queenstown the next morning, knowing that they didn't have any free accommodation for the night. When the first driver to pick us up was heading for Invercargill, we spontaneously decided to spend one night there instead. Invercargill did not have very much to offer and seemed to be a bit of a ghost town and not a single person could be seen on the big empty streets. Most people would go there to head south to Stewart island. Something that is out of our budget. We planned or head to Bluff, the most southern part of the mainland, but heard that it wasn't really anything to see. Instead we walked to the gardens, and watched the wild animals,  ready to leave the next morning. 

Queenstown

We finally made it to queenstown, which had been our first final destination since we got to New Zealand. We're definitely living up to our hitching sign that does say 'anywhere'. This day we had the longest wait we've ever had. After a few short lifts we ended up in the middle of nowhere, on the road towards queenstown. Knowing us, we wasn't worried and believe that the longer we wait the better ride we're gonna get. It took us over an hour before we got picked up by Mike, an Australian like minded backpacker who drove us all way to queenstown and who was booked into the same hostel as us. We spend feh evening over a decent amount of beers chatting away with Mike and his friend, who turned our to be one of the most inspiring and adventurous travelers I've ever met. 

I was up early the next morning to achieve my long life dream, bungyjump. A jump from 134 meters hight, the first one ever, and the highest in New Zealand. I was shuffled into a bus together with about 10 others on our way up the mountains. We got weight in and put on a big harness before they transferred us out to the plateau from where we would jump. I was second last, as the heaviest ones go first, and full of excitement I had to wait and look at 15 people jumping before it was my turn to go. They tied my feet together and clipped into my harness and led me to stand at the end of the plateau looking down at what I had in front of me. I wasn't scared, but excited as I dived into the sky. The feeling is indescribable. Trying to keep my mind in this very moment I laughed as wind blowed in my hair. I didn't want it to end. But it did, too quickly. I didn't even realized when I started to bounce up. To be in a upright position I unzipped my feet as they started to drag me back up. I wanted to do it again, and was tempted to pay an extra $100 for another jump. My wallet forbid me to. With the biggest grin on my face I headed back, happier than ever. 

Our last day in queenstown we decided to hike to the top of the mountain 'Ben Lomond'.  A full 8 hour trek. We was a bit worried as the weather had been quite horrible the last few days and was likely to keep that way for the next week. We was therefore happy to see the sun shining as we woke up that morning. Maybe it wouldn't be that bad after all. The first hour of the trek was insainly steep right uphill throught the woods. As we got over the treetops it faded out to an enjoyable walk over and around the montains. And the views was beautiful. Reminding my of the mountainviews I've been experienced while trekking in Scandinavia back in the days, which is something I've really missed. We couldn't have been more lucky with the weather, and the sun was shining as we enjoyed different view hiding behind every mountain we passed. The last bit up to the top got again, insainly steep but as we got to the top we realized how it was worth every step. The last clouds removed for us and gave us an amazing 360 degree view over the mountains stretching as far as our our eyes could reach, the lake below us and the tiny village of queenstown. 

On the top of Ben Lomond 

As queenstown is fairly known for beeing all year full of backpackers, it's also known for having a never ending nightlife that we hadn't yet experienced. Feeling exhausted after the trek we simply forced ourselves down to town, joined by a finish girl, a English guy and a German guy, all staying at our hostel. Given that Stina and I are on a very strict daily budget, we couldn't allow ourselves more than 3 beers each. And we had obviously hit a bad day for it as well as most of the bars and streets was way more empty than what we've been expecting. Not arguing this fact, we headed back to bed being able to say that we sure had experienced the nightlife of queenstown. 

Wanaka

As it is a high season we're still not use to, all the hostel in Wanaka was fully booked and we ended up about 6km outside town. As we got there they kindly let us borrow 2 old bicycles that clearly hadn't been in use for a very long time. Wobbly as the were they still served us good enought to bring us into town. Wanaka is a small, cute village next to a lake surrounding by mountains. We walked through it in 5 minutes and ended up at the cinema. We were sitting on couches watching something silly with Johnny depp and stolen valuable pictures. Mainly, it was the couches that interested us. 

Fox Glacier

A young south amarican girl picked us up the next morning and drove us all the way to Fox Glacier. We' re lucky to get a quick lift this time as rain was pouring down heavy as ever. It didn't stop in the afternoon and remained us from going outside all day. I had my first prober sleepin the next morning, as Stina was up early to do a skydive. We looked at her pictures as she got back and it looked absolutely amazing. If only my budget would allow me too .. 

That afternoon we walked down to lake mathea, what's suppose to be one of the best viewponints in New Zealand with the mountains relflecting in the water. We saw no reflection as it is mainly showed in the early mornings, but was not disappointed. You can't get everything the perfect way. We got a lift halfway there, even if we were not trying to hitchhike. Our driver, Nigel, was a sociable local in his mid age, and we promised to meet him for dinner later on as he dropped us off, even if he was mainly invited himself. The walk around the lake was along a nice comfortable pathway. And even if there was no reflection to be seen, the view with the lake and mountains in the background was beautiful enought. After a cup of coffee in the middle of this surroundings, we walked the 6km back into town. We met up with Nigel that evening, as promised, joined by a English guy Stina had been skydiving with the same morning. Sam, who was travelling with his sister. As the night went on, Nigel insisted in buying us drinks as our budget wouldn't allow us to. We ended up at the only bar chatting away with this hilarious old locals who clarely had a couple of glasses to much. 

Given that last night got way later than intended, we still managed to be up, fed, packed and ready by 8am when we met Sam and his sister Arla in front the hostel. Ready for the fox mountain hike. We drove together to the parking lot and began walking. We soon realized that it was not a mountain to hike, but a mountain to climb. Complaining about the steepness in our last climb made me feel stupid. That was nothing in comparison. 1300 meters straight uphill was laying in front of us. We met German Marcus in the beginning of the trek as he walked behind us, and got him to join us for the rest of the day. We helped eachother throught the tricky parts, routes that clearly put our rock climbing skills in use. The last bit felt easier as we got out of the forest and could see our final destination. Snow was lying along the pathway now, even it was still hot in the air. It's the first time I've felt snow in over two years. The temptation and childhood memories got irresistible and before we knew it we had a snowball war breaking out on top of the mountains. Finally, after 4 hours of constant climbing steep uphill we reached the top. We had a gorgeous view over the glacier, with new Zealand's highest mountain behind it. We stopped for lunch at the top for over an hour. Stina and I sharing what intended to be stir fry rice, but ended up more like a tasteless ricepudding. Sam had a nap, still feeling a bid wrecked from last night.  We were lucky to have left the time we did, as the clouds took over the view leaving a thick, white cloudiness as the only view for the rest of the day. We felt sorry for the trampers we met on our way down. Heading downhill was as bad as going up. Careful not to slipped we helped eachother at every hard move, shouting when it got slippery, and handing eachother helping hands. Our knees sure disapproved in this steep downhill never ending track and when we finally reached solid ground I felt like my legs could no longer support my bodyweight and was afraid for them to collapse at any moment. We headed straight to the bar for a celebration beer before Sam and Arla was heading down to Wanaka the same night. Stina and I promised eachother not to do any heavy treks for a while after accomplished 2 mountaintops in 4 days. This turned out to be an empty promise and only a few days later we saw ourselves heading for a 3 day trek throught the Abel Tasman. But I'm getting ahead of myself .. 

Arla, Sam, Stina and I on the top 

Hokitika 

Since accommodation in New Zealand is just as expensive, or worse, than Australia I tried to sort cheaper options out with my long lost friend, couchsurfing. I got in contact with a lovely Belgian backpacker who's living with her kiwi boyfriend in Hokitika and kindly let us stay for the night. They weren't home when we got there but the back door was left open for us. It felt a bid wierd entering a strangers house, even if we had been told to make ourselves at home until they got back. We didn't wait for long before Liz and Kieran drove up the pathway. They where a lovely sociable couple, who met eachother couchsurfing a few months earlier. We shared a few beers and cooked dinner together with fresh vegetables and potatoes growing in their garden. Having a really good home cooked meal is something neither Stina or I have had for a long time. As it was getting darker Liz took us to watch the glow worms, where the whole forest is lightened up. 

Nelson 

As we left Hokitika in the rain, we got picked up by Swedish people for the first time. A lovely elderly couple from Stockholm travelling around New Zealand for a couple of months. It took us most of the day to make our way into Nelson city. We were planning to couchsurf again but I hadn't recieved a address fromthe guy I've been in contact with this time. Only a mobile number on which he did not answering. Worried that he might have changed his mind regarding us staying, we headed to a nearby bar and waited. We didn't have to wait for too long before receiving his reply and started walking in the right direction. Morrie turned out to be the nicest guy in his 30's, welcoming and helpful. He had 2 German backpackers staying there as well as we arrived, and was surely enjoying the company. 

The weather was gorgeous the next morning, and we started the day with a couple of hours at the beach. We walked the 6 km into town in the afternoon and hit the visitor center to hopefully gain information about the Abel Tasman trek. As the queue to the information desk stretched across the whole shop we decided that we could sort it out ourselves! Passing the supermarket we bought food to last us for 3 day, and with a poorly written map we started planning our trek along the cost. As we got home and on interned we faced the realization that all the huts was fully booked for several days. All our plans was falling to pieces ...

Alban Tasman national park 

First mission of the morning was to head into the city and get a tent, as we got 3 nights of camping booked instead of the huts. Morrie kindly borrowed us a couple of blankets to save us from the nightly cold. We repacked our backpacks with food, tent, blankets and insect repellence and hitched off to Marahau. Our first day wouldn't be very hard as the only available campsite was located only a couple of hours from Marahau, where the trek starts. We walked along an easy, comfortable pathway taking us throught the jungle along the cost. By the afternoon we found ourselves in apple tree bay where we put our tent up right at the beach. With a gorgeous costal view at our doorstep. As this site wasn't around any of the huts, there wasn't a lot of people around. Only me, Stina and Sandflies. Being one with the nature. 

Our perfect located campsite 

We headed to bed as the sun went down, and struggled through the freezing night. I thanked Stina for convincing me into bringing 2 blankets. We had a longer hike in front of us this day as we left our lovely campsite and sat foot back into the woods. The pathway continued to keep its easy grade. A few ups and downs was nothing compared to our previous experiences. We passed countless almont of people only doing day trips throught the Tasman. Taking the water taxi from Marahau to bark bay, walk for a few hours before taking the water taxi back. Flashpackers is what we call them. It was getting to late afternoon when we arrived to bark bay campsite. A bigger site close to the Bark Bay Huts. Finding a good spot we pitched up our tent. We put our blankets on the ground in from of it, as we always did. Reachable from the sun. We could lie there forever, reading, writing or talking away. 

We woke up to the most brilliant sunshine, and started the day with a swim. As it wasn't to far to our next campsite we took it fairly easy with a 2 hour stop lying on the beach of oknaloukvit bay. As we got Awaroa, we got attacked by both Mosquitos and Sandflies as soon as the sun was setting. Even after we had drenched ourselves with insectspray. The cold precooked vegetable pasta we'd brought for dinner was hitting it's last minutes. Which is why it would have been hard doing a longer trek without a cooking stove. We felt a bit under geared compared to our fellow hikers. With our one layered $16 tent, no sleeping bags or proper outdoor clothing, and converse. And still we find ourselves so cool, and keep reminding eachother how great we are and how everything works out for us. Keeping that spirit! 

We had a 30 minute walk crossing the low tide back to the Awaroa car park the next morning, where we planned to hitch back from. A tiny Misunderstanding of the tide- timing made us leave a bit too early and ended up crossing with water up to our waist. Getting to the carpark we had to realize that our possibility to get a lift from there would be limited to the minimum. Prepeared to walk all day to reach the closest town we started walking up the dirt road leading towards Takaka. After about an hour we saw a car in the distance coming from a third road towards an 3 way intersection in front of us. We waved, put our thumb out and half ran towards the car who thankfully stopped for us. As we got to the tiny town of Takaka, the road leading out of town was so crowded of Hitchhiker's that we simply had to wait for other people to get picked up before even trying. Getting a good spot, an amarican hitchhiker had to wait for us to get picked up before getting out there. It was ridiculous. That just showes how common it is to hitch in New Zealand! In the end, a lovely Japanese girl stopped for us. She already had a German hitchhiker in the front seat, so Stina and I, and the American, all squeezed into the back seat with our backpacks on our laps. As we drove away we passed at least 4 or 5 more of them leaving the city. 

Picton

We stayed with Morrie for one more night as we got back to Nelson. He was happy to have us even if his 2 year old kid was staying over the weekend. The cutest, over energetic little boy. Stina and I went for a valentines dinner together at a Thai resturant around the corner, but other than that we did not achieve much more of the day. Morrie drove us out to the road towards Picton the next day. The good spots was already taken by other Hitchhiker's,  but we found a decent one further down the street and made our way of Picton by early afternoon. The guy driving us got into a conversation with Stina, who was sitting in the passengers seat, about her own driving ability. Telling him that she hadn't been driving for 5 years and never ever in her life would put herself behind the wheels in Australia or New Zealand he simply pulled over and got out of the car forcing her to drive us away from there. 

'What are you doing?, there's no way I'm driving', she said in a matter of fact voice as he left the car still going. 

'No worries, we just have to stay here then. You have about an hour before we'll run our of gas' he said laying down in the back seat. 

It's not only the fact that they're driving on the opposite side of the road. The road we were standing on was a tiny, whiny one leading up and down the mountains. Realizing that there was no other way, she got into the drivers seat and struggled back on to the road, throught the sharp turnes having him next to her. She did surprisingly good considering her insecurity about driving.  We got into Picton safely and got dropped off outside our hostel. We stayed in a 28 bed dorm, but with our bunk in separate section having a sheet hanging from the ceiling. The town itself was not big. Most of the people comes here for the reason of taking the ferry to the north island. Which was our purposes as well. The beautiful south island of New Zealand has been treating us well for the past 3 weeks, and with excitement it was time to move on, to experience what the north island has to offer! 

Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne was cold when i arrived. At least colder than I expected it to be. I was wearing my long pants but my favourite swather got lost as I was hurrying to the airport shuttlebus one day prior. I was well annoyed about this, not only was it a perfectly fine clothing, it also meant I was without a pullover on the flight who  turns the air -con up max. Despite that I was flying with Jetstar that charge extra for everything - entertainment, water, toiletpaper and of cource; blankets. After a cold night on the plane I arrived to Melbourne's airport at 10 am and went throught what must have been one of the longest immigration processes I've ever experienced. Never ending queues that led to nothing but another security check. They checked my bags several times, asked a lot of questions and it took me at least two hours before finally finding myself on the skybus towards home. 

I headed straight to see Stina at work. I got lunch, and Stina's kee to the apartment and decided to come back by the time she finished so that we could head for catch - up drinks. It was so great seeing her again and we chatted the hours away before realizing what time it was and decided to head home. Ready for my first shift back at work. 

I remember the feeling of leaving fruitshack, returning a couple of months later facing completely different people. I felt the exact same way returning to Albert park deli. The place was the same, the work as was the same but with a completely new selection of staff. I was happy to see myself standing face to face with my American friend Will, as the only one remaining from the staff members I know even if he's only works at the deli once a fortnight these days. But to work without Eric by my side as the head dinner chef was beyond sad.

Bush walking

 I didn't got as much shift as I hoped my first week back, and got 3 days off in a row. To keep myself busy I headed straight for the climbing wall. One of the things I've missed most whilst being away. Despite my 2 months lack of practice, I never expected to be at the same level as when I left and was prepared for disappointment. 

As I had 3 days off, and couldn't possible climb 3 days in a row as it would kill both my arms and wallet I decided to go for a full day bush walk. I didn't have many options since I don't drive, and headed for the dandenong range. Prepeard with 2 bottles of water, lunch and a poorly written map that I downloaded to my iPad, I settled off on the train to upper ferntree gully. I struggled to find the right platform, and by the time I reached the tiny village after over an hour on the train, the time was already pass noon. I went in to the tourist information to get the right directions. She gave me a printed map over the area, and recommended a 4-5 hour route that would take me up the famous '1000' steps, through the jungle, across a big road, and along a number of different walking tracks before having me ending up in Belgrave. 

Sounded good enought for me, and off I went. I shared the experience of the thousand steps with dozens of other people I wouldn't say it's too much to brag about. A thousand steps isn't even that much. Specially not due to the fact that back in the phillipines and 'the nut huts' Alice, Louise and I walked close to 300 not being able steps just getting from bed to breakfast. I got to the top, and instead of following the crowd straight back down I followed the pathway further uphill and got myself to 'one three hill picknick ground' where I stay'd for lunch and water refill. It was a beautiful day. The weather was in great condition, the nature was quiet and gorgeus and I couldn't have been more happy with myself. I followed the walking track that at some point would take me to a main road. With the nature as my only company I was crossing the jungle and finally reached the road. I was suppose to follow it for a couple of hundred meters before crossing onto another track leading back to Belgrave. As I stood facing my poorly written map, with the road in front of me I couldn't quite figure out whether to head left or right. It never accord to me that I was facing the wrong road. I walked left, and followed every turn of the road even if it never seemed to turn the way it supposed to, according to the map. I took my time finding out how far off I was and couldn't other than walk back, laughing at my own stupidity.   As I walked the same track deeper into the forest the parhway suddenly separated into two and I realized that I had no idea which one I came from. I lay all my faith into my poorly printed map who told me to head left, which finally brought me back to the right track. According to the map, following this track would have me end up on a bigger road. It took me to a dead end. I had to tell myself that this map wasn't up to date. Crossing a few backyards and jumping a couple of fences got me to the one three Hill road in the end, after a 2 hour detour! Following it I managed to find the right track back into the forest that definitely would take me to Belgrave. I couldn't be more happy about myself. The last 2 hours went sucessfully unenventful as i crossed different tracks through the forest and made My way back to belgrave, tired as. I'm proud to say that, given that I spend the day by myself kept getting lost, I still managed without losing that smile of mine even once. I had the most enjoyable day! 

Christmas

If there's one day of the year where i wish that i was back home, it would be for christmas. I miss the fact of being around my family, and all the weeks leading up to the holiday. The preperation, excitement and the dark but cosy atmosphere and simply just the feeling of Christmas. What I want is not 40 degrees and boiling sun. It's family. And not being able to be with my family around the holiday took away the satisfaction of celebrating Christmas, and I didn't mind spending all day working. 

Louise arrived at the 23rd, and as I was working Stina was the one welcoming her with open arms.  We woke up early on chrismas eve. Louise and I headed for breakfast at Stina's before i started work letting Louise hitting the city of Melbourne. I got a bottle of wine for chrismaspresent from my work that I happily shared with my swedes back in the flat before heading for christmas dinner. After a lovely meal in lovely company we headed for a couple of drinks and then home to watch 'Karl bertils julafton' eating saffron buns. A quiet, but enjoyable Christmas Eve! 

During Christmas and boxing day I voluntarily worked at Stina's place as they where ridiculously understaffed given that their regular staff wants to spend Christmas with their family. Being the only cafe in the area open on Christmas it got super busy. And no one except from Stina had been working there for more than I couple of weeks, with me having my first day on their busiest day of the year. That's when I realized how much I have learned and how much experience I've gained during my time at Albert park deli. When the day was finally over, after having us all working for 10 hours without a break the owner bought us all dinner and we enjoyed a few drinks together. I headed to the hostel afterwards to meet up with Ashleigh and Louise and their christmas celebration, but my exhaustion from work brought me to bed. Ready for the same chaos the next morning.  

Abbotsford adventure! 

A couple of days after Christmas, Louise and I headed out to meet up with Courtney. Our amarican friend from Boracay that Alice and I met again in Bankok, and that was now on a visit to Melbourne. We went for a few drinks, and ended up dancing in the clubs hours later. I struggled through work the next day but as I finished early I decided to show Louise around the suburb outside Melbourne. Given that we've had beautiful sunny weather everyday for the past weeks I was well excited to finally be able to spend the afternoon int he sun - nor working. Due to my luck, the rain decided to hit us only this day. Louise met me as I finished work, and we headed to Brunswick and sydney road -northern Melbourne. , They have a lot of cosy little cafe's, the city's biggest op shop and K-mart that kept us entertained for a couple of hours. I knew it wasn't too far to walk from Sydneyroad to flitzroy and Brunswick street which is one of my favourite districts. That would also be on the way to abbotsford where we agreed to meet up with Vicky later, my long lost Sydney friend who's in Melbourne only for the night. My first travel partner in Thailand (except from Beccy) who I haven't seen since my first visit in Sydney as I arrived to Australia 15 months ago. As the rain suddenly disappeared replaced by a hearing sun we didn't mind walking. We put all our trust into my sense of direction, which surprisingly enought brought us the right way. This didn't last all the way, as you probably figured, and we somehow lost the track of the main road. Crossing a beautiful park I've never seen before we stopped a lovely lady to ask for direction. She kindly described how far off we've got, with the directions to abbotsford. She finished with telling us that we where standing right by her car, and that she was happy to give us a lift, as she was going that way anyway. With no intentions of hithhiking we happily jumped into the car. We got dropped off at Johnson's street just outside abbotsford where I convincingly told myself that I knew the way. We're meeting Vicky at 'lentil as anything',  a volunteerly driven resturant with the slogan 'pay as you like' located in a convent in abbotsford. Stina and I went there last year just as we arrived to Melbourne, why I insisted in my confident of finding the way. Allthought, My sense of direction seemed to have disappointed me once again and we had to call Vicky for survival as we were just around the corner. With the best vegan food one could ever imagine 'lentil as anything' filled us up as we were chatting away over everything that had happened during the last year and a half. If was indescribably nice to see her again even if for such short time. And I promised to come visit Sydney soon enought. 

New Year's

You know how you sometimes have those days where simply everything seems to go wrong from the point where you wake up? New Years was one of those days for me. I headed for a shower in the morning and shaved my legs in a hurry. A slint with my cheap razor cut half my leg open. With a silent scream I got out of the shover just to face pool of water covering the bathroom floor up to my ankles.  Before having time to clean it up, Cam woke up facing our terrific bathroom situation. Not understanding how I could not have noticed the pipes being blocked he tooked care of the situation without further arguments. All of this ended up having me being late for work, not in my best stage due to Cam's highly defended mood. Things didn't get better whilst at work. Given that I was working my 15th shift in a row brought my to a state of exhaustion not even 12 hour shift out at the farm would.  The ability to concentrate seemed to have disappeared, replaced with distraction. One thing after another ended up having my crying over a dropped plate by the end of the day.  

As I got home I dropped dead on top of my bed just to wake up by Louise's calls half and hour later. I forced myself out bed and across the road to the rooftop at their hostel, where I met Louise just as a second beer hit my empty stomach. By the time we finished our third one and started feel both tipsy and hungry, we met up with Stina for dinner. We have a Mexican favourite where we always seems to head on special occasions. Their food is delicious but way to expensive to make a regular habit. 

Before heading to the beach, counting in the new year, we dropped by a house party of one of Stina's workmates. As we got down to the beach just before midnight, Louise and I lost them all int the busy drunken surroundings. We overviewed the magnificent fireworks beyond the city as we downed a bottle of champagne at the beach. After enjoying a few phonecalls to our long lost well missed family we fancied another drink and decided to meet up with Courtney at one of the clubs around st Kilda. That's when we realized Louise's passport no longer existed in our bag. Someone must of have stolen it while at the crowded beach hoping for more valuable things, or we must of have simple dropped it. Either way, there was no way we was getting inte clubs without identification. Instead we headed back to the hostelparty meeting up with Ashleigh. Louise headed to bed and I passed out at the couch not too long afterwards.

 Line's visit

One of my best friends since 8 years came to visit Melbourne not too long after Louise had left. She met me at my work as I failed my attempt getting the day off. It was an indescribable feeling seeing her walking in with her massive backpack after one and a half year apart. We spend afternoon chatting away in my couch catching up on eachothers lives. I had called the next day off and as it was about to be a lovely sunny day we decided to simply spend it at the beach. It's funny how I've been living in at Kilda, Melbourne's beachtown, for almost 8 months with our even once being at the beach! Being a bit overexcited and naively thinking that there's no need of sunscreen, I ended up whith the worst sunburn in my life. It took weeks for it to peel off. A mistake I will never do again. Except from that we had a perfect - well deserved day together. I unfortunately had to work during the weekend but tried to spend as much time with my best friend as possible. As I had Monday off I brought her rock climbing. So much fun, especially doing if with a good friend. I showed her to Chinatown, shanghai dumplings and one of my favourite bars in town. After almost a week in town she left Wednesday night. We went into the city together and spent most of the day in my favourite city bar, where Cara came to join us -  one of my best aussiefriends who recently moved down from Brisbane. After a few jugs and sushi rolls we followed Line to the bus stop where I sadly enought have to wave her off after an amazing week together. 

Great ocean road

Stina and I both took our last weekend off work to be able to finally do a great ocean road trip before leaving the country. Cara and her boyfriend Djarra came to pick us up Saturday morning and the four of us headed southwest for a 2 day roadtrip down along the beautiful coastline. 

We had the weather on our side but not the traffic. The ridiculous almont of cars in front of us delayed our travel plans a bit. Passing Geelong, Torquay and Anglesea we stopped in Lorne for lunch at the beach where they had a market going on. We continued to Apollo bay where we stayed for the beach and a swim in the cold water. I was more careful with the sun this time! Before reaching our final destination for the day, Port Cambell, we stopped for the twelve apostles lookout. It was absolutely beautiful. Despite that it's one of Australia's most famous tourist attraction we obviously shared the experience with a bunch of tourists. Getting into Port Cambell, a super cozy tiny beachtown we checked into a hostel and headed out the experience wathever this town had to offer. It wasn't much, but just getting away from the city life for a change was a great feeling. Dinner, beer, and a couple of more beers did us well before heading to bed. 

The weather didn't treat us as well the next day as it was raining quite heavily. After breakfast we drove to the national park to hopefully be able to get sights of wild koalas. We hadn't driven far into the forest before spotting them climbing on top of the trees. Along the road we spotted more of them hanging on to te trees as we went deeper into the forest. We did another stop in Anglesea on our way back, another supertiny beautiful beachtown, before setting wheels for Melbourne! 

The twelve (seven) apostles 

Australia Day!

For the second time, I had to say goodbye to work, friends and the beauty of Melbourne and St Kilda. This time for the last time, as I'm not planning on coming back to live in Melbourne. As we got back from great ocean road that evening I headed out to spend my last night with the girls from work. Lately it been a team of 6 young girls working together having the best time. We met at a bar around the corner from the Deli where we ended up having a hysterical laughing session lasting for hours. 

On Australia Day the next morning, our last day in the country, Stina and I woke up super early to meet Corey for a coffee. He had just been working a nightshift in the area and wanted to see us before leaving. It was raining heavily as we forced eachother our of bed and down the slippery streets of St Kilda. It's funny thinking that he was our first friend in Melbourne, as we got here unemployed and broke almost exactly one year prior. 

When Stina and I had spent the rest of the morning cleaning our room, done all our wash and packed our bags I went back to 'Albert Park Deli' for the last time. Having a last breakfast, coffee and beer with the girls who wasn't working and saying goodbye to all my lovely colleagues after 8 months of working there. Emotionally I settled for the tram into the city to meet, and say goodbye to Chloe. We met at the bar at Brunswick street, where her roommate joined in as well as Cara with her boyfriend. The weather was great, the company was better and brought us all to a tearful goodbye as I eventually had to leave to meet Stina for dinner. Spontaneously I popped by the Deli as they closed for one last drink and chat with my boss. Getting a lift back to st Kilda I met Stina at our Mexican favorite resturant where we had invited some people for dinner, including our roommates Cam & Chelsea and a few friends from Stina's work. After a super nice farewell meal we had to rush home before heading for the airport, leaving Australia and our Melbourne life behind us.  With our backpacks on and full of excitement we walked towards new adventures. Happy Australia Day! 

Laos

It was a very long way getting into Laos from El Nido. 6 hour bus trip to puerto princesa followed by a 1 hour  flight to Manilla and 4 hours from there. We slept the whole way. We got into the airport of Bankok by midnight and caught a taxi to the northern bus station. We got on the local bus that suprisely enought was leaving in middle of the night. We got ngong khai after 12 hours from where we could easily cross the border and a couple of different taxis before finding ourself in Viantiane, Laos. Finally. We find a resturant that would give us food (TOFU). I love the Phillipines but their food culture is not the best. After 3 weeks of no protein, since a vegetarian selection does not exist, I was well exited to get some tofu into me. We checked into our hostel where we organized our tickets home in less than two weeks. Louise decided to stay travelling down Vietnam by herself. We checked out the night market but despite just being travelling for 33 hours brought us to an early night. 

Vang Vieng 

 21 months and 8 days had passed since my last visit to Vang Vieng. That time i got stuck for more than a week. I promised myself and my company not to let that happen again. We got ourselves into the tube the next day. Vang Vieng have always been famous for it's tubing culture, but back in the days it ended up beeing a crazy which in the end got all bars burned down. During my last visit, the tubing had just been reopened, it was very restricted and yet they only had one bar along the river. Since then, it apparently been growing a lot which brought us to today. I was well exited to experience the difference. The first bar was before we even got into the river. It took us a couple of hours and rounds of flipcup and shotgun before we found our way in the tubs to the next bar. Less than a few minutes away. Outside every bar the local boys threw out lines to catch us and drag us in. I can't possibly explain how much fun we had pubcrawling dawn the river, chatting away to other travellers, playing games, dancing and laughing. And trying to play volleyball on a gameplan made of mud which made it highly impossible to stand up without slipping, drenching yourself in mud. Unbeatable. As it's too easy getting stuck at the bars we left the last one way too late to make it all the way back in time. Toghether with about ten others we soon realized that the darkness was falling surrounding our little group in the middle of the river which brought us to the decision of making our way up to the mainland, where we could get a tuktuk back to town. A well made decision. When showered all the mud off us and after a good well needed meal, we headed for the bars to meet up with the river people. Haunting the free drinks at the Irish bar, Sakura and bad monkey we found ourselves at 'viva', the only club open after midnight. And which did not exist the last time I was here. That time the only acceptable nightly route would be 'LaLa land' to 'the moon'. A lot seemed to have changed since. 

After a long, intense day and well needed sleep in the next morning we was about to check out the blue lagoon. As a tuktuk had the same pricing as hiring two motorbikes for the day we decided to go with the last alternative. This ended up being a bad decision. American Devon from yesterday's tubing adventure ended up joining us. Thank got for that. The roads was extremely bad, even if not compared to our el nido mission. But this time we reached a spot where the roads where filled with water and a tiny bridge had been built on the right hand side to prevent motorbikes from drowning. This tiny wooden bridge can't have been more than two foot wide. I was beyond scared, as I know my balance is not trustworthy. Devon drove over smoothly with Alice on his back as if he's been doing nothing else his whole life. Louise jumped off my back and watched me driving right into the ditch on our right hand side. Being to worried of driving into the water which would have caused major consequences, I kept to much to the right and drove way too slowly too kep my balance. Luckily it got stuck in the bushes with only a few scratches, which they did not noticed as we turned it back later that day. I struggled to get it out as a lovely local guy came to my rescue. I drove the last bit with a heartbeat higher than the eiffeltower but to my relief I could finally feel my wheels reaching the safely ground on the other side. Louise came running after and we continued. It has to be said that Devon drove both of our vehicles over this part during our way back later that day.  

The blue  lagun was as magical as i remembered it and we went straight into the cold, but crystal clear, blue water. We jumped from the tree, or at least I did! which after my 15 meter session in Borocay felt like something a three year old could do and did not really live up to my satisfaction. It's still fun! We headed back and spend the evening watching friends. 

The tubing got us hooked and after I good nights rest we were ready for a second round. Always when you've had an amazing experience and trying to find the exact same again, you might find yourselves in disappointment. Even if the first time most likely will be new and exiting in a different way than the second time will, I have a hard time believe that tubing can live to disappoint. Saying that we had an amazing second experience too! 

Luang Prabang

I remember the road between Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang being unacceptably bad with ridiculously fast turnes and bumpy roads up and down the montains. I remember being well happy not having to deal with it on a hangover last time I travelled it. And still that ended up being the way we dealed with it this time. Thinking back at last time thought, 21 months ago,  I also remember being a bit sick which obviously made the situation and my recognation worse. After all, it was actually not that bad. I also remembered that the main reason that I had the best time in Luang Prababang during my last stay there was mainly because of the hostel I was staying at, and the people who was staying there with me. As we got into the city that evening I did not hesitate taking us back to 'chilli Lao'. Of course, I did not expect the same people being there waiting for me yto come back even if that would've been fantastic. It might also have of the fact that I was already in such great company  we didn't feel the need to socialize in the same way as I did back in the days. 

After a 12 hour sleep that night we got up to go to the most magnificent waterfall. There're nothing and no waterfalls we've seen during our travels in comparison to this one. 7 levels of amazingly turquois water surrounded by the  gorgeous jungle. The scenery is indescribable! I was amazed. Even if I've been here before. The bottom levels feels like a couple of lagoons and we got more and more amazed as we got higher and closer to the point where the water falls out of the 20 meter high cliff. 

That night we went to the bar Utopia, hidden in a valley crossing between houses. As they closed by midnight we met a group of Brittish, Canadians who we joined to the bowlingalley. The only place where you can get a drink after 12pm. Louise and I played in pairs. We lost. Alice on the other hand did surprisingly well and scored strike after strike which put her second in lead after one of the unbeatable Canadians. 

We took another massive sleepin before heading to the pool, for a relaxing day. We met the Brittish guys again and a couple of Irish guys at the pool bar. Unfortunately, the sun decided to hide away the only day I planned to work on my tan. That said, we ended up hanging out in the water and at the bar instead of in the sunchairs. Before going home we ended our pool session with a bit of water fighting, when you're on eachothers shoulders. We decided to meet up again at Utopia that night and after we've had dinner, and a stroll around the marked we headed there. I got into a intresting conversation with one of them, as he works as a professional pianist back home. Talking about piano playing made me miss it quite a lot. We got company by British Charley and an Australian guy who we ended up joining when the Irish guys headed for the bowlingalley. We didn't feel heading there again as we got an early bus in the morning. Charley stayed at the same hostel as us so we brought our friends back there, bought some beers and chatted away. 

Vang Vieng 

Hanoi? Chang Mai? South Laos? No destination really suited all of us as Louise had to be in Hanoi within a few days and Alice and I had a flight from Bangkok. We simply made it easy for us and went back to Vang Vieng. In the end, we all loved it there and it seemed like a good place to spend our last couple of days together before separation. 

We hit the tube again the next day and got fairly surprised when the first bar was closed. How could it be? As we got into the water we realized that there was another bar instead. As we got there we got described to us that they're doing different routes each other day. So if you want or experience all the bars you'll have to go twice in a row or leave two days in between.  At the second bar they had a horizontal boxing pole over a hold of muddy water. I couldn't help myself from getting up there. The hardest part was to get into the middle from the end. A challenged another girl and she got the first shot. In the end we kind of draged eachother down and everyone was unsure who actually won.  Looking back at Alice's phone I'm pretty sure I'm in the water like half a second before she was. 

Our mission for the day was to make it all the way back in time. At least all the way back, or in time. The current was on our side but made us loose Louise as she was getting up on the mainland with this bunch of people we just met on the river. Alice and I who was in front quickly decided to continue to the end, which was not far. We made it to the end, not in time. We were probably about half an hour late. Louise missed it by about 5 minutes. We met her back in our room where we had showers before heading out for dinner and drinks. One free drink at the Irish bar brought us to Sekura where we ran into Charlie who just made his way from Luang Prabang. Together with a Dutchman and a Brit we got to 'fat monkey' where we spent hours with shotgun and beer pong. 

We woke up with the worst hangover, having no major plans for the day. Our last day. Alice was feeling a bit sick (not from the alcohol) and we decided to take if easy, recovering with episodes of Friends. As it was our last night we went back out on our regular nightly route that brought us to Viva at midnight.  

We hung out with 3 Swedish guys (2brothers and a friend), who was in our room in Luang Prabang, on our bus to Vang Vieng and now stay'd in the same guesthouse. We also met Charlie at fat monkey who joined us for the rest of the night. Alice still didn't feel too good and headed home early. 

Goodbye

Our time together had come to an end. Louise was catching a nightbus to Hanoi as Alice and I was on the nightbus to Bangkok. We asked to be on the same bus to Vientiane as we had to change bus there anyway. We spend the whole way talking about our trip, discussing our favourite parts, best nights, how we feel about travelling together, travelling at all and whatnot. I can honestly say that I could never wish for better company than this two. No matter what situation we'd be in, they'd always find a reason to laugh. Of all the people I've met travelling I have not met a single pair who, after living so close together still get along as well as I found Alice and Louise. And It was with tears in our eyes we hugged eachother goodbye at Vientiane busstation, wishing her all the best in Vietnamn. All by herself! 

The nightbus to Thailand was one of the most impressive ones I have ever seen. Specially due to the fact that we still are in Asia. We got well excited seeing the tv-screen stuck to every single chair, that also got a footrest and that you could fell down into a lying chair. Are excitement died out as we realized all the movies was in Thai, and ended up whatching one on my iPad instead. 

The bus promised to take us to Khaosan road, but as everywhere in Asia you can never trust these agency's. So from the north bus station we simply catched a cab, that we shared with a Canadian girl at 5am. Alice and I checked into a guesthouse where I stayed my last time at Khaosan, and went back to sleep for a few hours. After spending the whole day shopping at the massive shopping center MBK, we headed for a night on Khao San Road. We met up with Jamie for a little while, the amarican guy we met in Borocay and got his ear punched in el nido. He headed to Vietnam the next day, and Alice and i met up with Courtney for dinner (another Borocayfriend). As Alice had to leave for the airport at 3.30 am she headed home for a couple of hours sleep while Courtney and I stayed  out and about. I got back in time to say goodbye to my dear sister and get her safely into a cab to the airport. Our 6 week long reunion had come to an end and it was time to dace the real working life again. For her in Sweden and for me in Australia. I was sad leaving her, but also so grateful for this time we've had together. We've done everything perfectly and I couldn't ask for anything better than for us to meet up like this.  

Philippines

Considering that phillipines worked out of 700 different island, it's a totally different experience travelling around than what I'm use too. Instead of hitting any travel agency to book the next best bus to the place you're looking to go to you actually have to book flight tickets to get around. And that is not only more expensive but also takes a bit more of planning. Which I'm not good at despite the fact that I'm living out of the quote 'the best plan is to make no plan'. This was not really working for me travelling the phillipines. I'm also really indecisive and during my time traveling alone the thing I missed most was to have someone to help me make decisions. Turns out that Alice and Louise are both worse than me and since I've done a lot of travels already they kinda relied on me to make the decisions for us. Which I did, with their approval.

Manilla

3am was suddenly 4 am when we arrived to Manilla airport. I had organized a couchsurfer who happily would let us stay for the night. We took a cab to her place in the city where we got about 5.30. Just before she headed for work. Rica lived on the 37th floor, and we all stood on her balcony chatting as we watched the sun rise. As we barely got any sleep yet we went back to bed where we stay'd until early afternoon before we headed for the mall. We needed to fix this phone Louise bought secon hand in Siem reap, that wasn't working anymore thanks to Alice's idea of resetting it. Well, the people who say that MBK in Bangkok is big has obviously never been to Mall Asia in Manilla. It is huge. We got lost countless of times before we found the rig shop to help us. This mission took us all day. 

We got back to Rica's place and hit the Internet cafe to book us a ticket out of Manilla. This city is not a place where you want to stay for too long. With the hectic city traffic hitting you straight int he face I felt like leaving straight away. After a lot of hassle getting this ticked booked and me having an emotinal breakdown that Alice had to save me from, we managed to book a ticket to Borocay the next morning. My mood improved a lot having that done and I could happily enjoy a good Mexican dinner and a couple of beers with Rica that night before heading to bed. 

Rica, Louise, Alice and I having a red house (local beer) 

Boracay

I'm not gonna lie. Borocay is an amazing place but I'm sure we could all agree that our time there is a bit blurry. We met a lot of people at 'Frendz' hostel, and created our own little drunken family during this time. And we did have the best time together.  I felt really sorry for Australian Jason who ended up having all his valuables stolen. Creditcard, passport, money -everything. Cause I'm traveling with my Australian credit card I happily helped him out with having him transfer money to me so that I could give it back in local cash. I sure know how it feels to have your things stolen, you appreciate all the help you can get. 

There was a crazy Swedish guy who created what he named a 'Swedish breakfast'. This basically means one beer, and would be the way everybody started the day.  I 'accidentally' tricked Alice into having one one morning, before she was aware of the concept. That was fun. Later that day our hostel organized a free pasta night, where everyone gathers together in the common area for dinner, drinks and with live music. When the hostelbar closed we headed for a local bar where we ended the night with bongo drums, dancing and tons of new local friends.

Our hostel crew, before heading to the local bar 

The next morning we went on a boat trip to 'magic island'. A day full of cliff jumping - one of my favourite activities. There was probably about 15 of us, jumping, drinking and socializing. So much fun. I went again the next day to 'Ariel's point' where you able to jump of 15 meters. I'm prod to say that I was one of the few- and the first, to achieve this. That nigh we created a party in the tattoo shop, where the Swedish guy was getting a tattoo of Kenny's face on his ass. Don't ask. They're absolutely mental. But everyone wanted to witness this happen. 

Our last day we spent on the beach before heading to spiderhouse for a beautiful sunset view. A few beers later we headed back in time for another free pasta night at the hostel together with live music. It was quite sad having our last night together with everyone and we were tempted to stay a few days longer. This was also Australian Luke's birthday night which everyone came out to celebrate. A fun night that brought us back way to late to be able to function at 8 in the morning. 

One of Borocay's amazing sunsets 

t's easy to get stuck at a place where you meet amazing people at an amazing place, specially when you're never sober enough to make a decision to leave. After beeing there 6 days, we finally found ourselves on he road again. To save some money we travelled the local way across the ocean and to Cebu. 6 hours in a minivan took us to Iloilo, from where they luckily enough had a ferry leaving for Cebu the same night. The night ferry was an experience itself. Several floors covered with bunk beds, shared by only locals except from three of us. Despite that we was houndereds of people sharing this journey someone thought it was a great idea to bring their roosters. On a night ferry. I know that cockfights are a big thing in the phillipines and that some people care more for their roosters than their children. But on a night ferry ..

Bohol

Having no plans or no idea what direction to head when getting ourselves to Cebu city we simply caught a taxi to somewhere in the centre, after getting the driver well confused. As Cebu city itself seemed to be similar to Manilla we decided not to stay. Catching a taxi back to the pier we headed over to Bohol, the big island next door. After being on land travelling for 35 hours straight we finally found ourselves in a hostel called 'nut huts' next to a river, In the middle of the forest, 267 steps downhill and isolated from the civilization. Living it back to basics. 

After a well needed amazing 12 hour sleep we woke up to the sound of nature. Ah. Such a contrast to our life in Boracay. So beautifully quiet. We walked the 267 steps uphill, and 800 meters through the forest to get to the main road where we hired motorbikes for the day. As it was the first time driving for Alice and Louise we got one each. We spend the day driving around Bohol, which turned out to be so much smaller than I thought. But with an amazing nature. And what a freedom to be one with the nature, just driving around enjoying its quietness. We started of heading to the chocolate hills that we've heard so much about. It was cool, sure, but I wouldn't brag to much about it. We continued with heading down the tiniest road to a spectacular waterfall. Definitely my favourite one in the phillipines. And we got it all to ourselves. We enjoyd our take-away lunch next to it's scenery. Went for a swim before we were  back on the road. Next thing we headed for the national park and the Tasiers- tiny monkeys with big big eyes. So damn cute. Before heading back we drove for another hour along the coastline as the sun was about to set.

Alice and I by the waterfall

Panglao

Next morning we headed to the tiny island south of Bohol, Panglao. We decided to get a jeepney there. The local's way of public transportation. This turned out to be a mistake. A journey that shouldn't take longer than 20 minutes took us 4 hours in this thing. Seriously. 

As panglao is famous for their diving, I booked us one for the next day. This turned out to be the worst tour in my life. The diving itself was amazing. But the company we manage too book with had no idea what they're doing and handled everything extremely unprofessional. Stared of with having us wait for an hour before getting on the boat. With our dive master and our gear already on the sea. The left us at an island where we waited another hour not knowing if this dive was actually going to happen. When we met the dive master out on the sea he started bragging over having us to pay money, that we already paid. The gear we got was way to big and had already been used by someone else. But in the end, while in the water, we looked past all that cause this was actually truly amazing. And we got the sight of not less than 12 turtles. 

That night I ran into Thor on the beach. Just randomly. One of the guys Carro and I traveled with in Thailand about 16 months back. The world must be smaller than we think. We didn't get to spend much time together as we was leaving ridiculously early the next morning. 

Cebu 

That day we got up at 5am, to travel by boat across to Cebu and Oslob, south of Cebu city. We had our moods on top and was well excited to swim with the whalesharks. This is definitely one of the best experiences. Around ten meters big creatures surrounding you under the water. Amazing!  From there we headed north with a couple of local busses and got ourselves to Moalboal. The tiniest little beach town on cebu's west cost. The following day we hired scooters to drive to the Kazan waterfalls. This was a quite cool experience as we got to go on a bamboo under the waterfall. It was a quite big one as well and fell so heavily is hurted getting it onto your shoulders.

The next day we booked ourselves into diving again. With a more serious company this time which turned out to be the best experience. And we got it all pictured as well. The same afternoon we took a taxi to Cebu city. We was planning to take the local bus but the taxi driver was going to the city anyway and gave us an extremely good price. We checked into a hostel just for the night before catching an early flight. 

El nido, Palawan

Our last week in the Philipines we spent together with our favourite Borocay friend, Luke from Sydney.  Leaving Boracay he simply lost the ability of making decisions and ended up stuck in Manilla. As we love eachothers company we invited him to come with us to Palawan. Flying into puerto princesa we met our friend at the airport. Together we caught the minivan down to El Nido, a 6 hour drive and not a single second was spend in silence. Luke has the best personality and are super easy to talk to. By this point he know every single thing about the three of us. Getting to El Nido we checked in to a hostel before heading for dinner. We've heard that they have an amazing pizza bar, with life changily good pizzas. I'm not sure if I understand what all this fuzz comes from but Alice sure fell in love. Matti should know he's up for some serious competition. Waiting for a table we ran into another of our lovely Borocay friends, Jaimie, and who we ended up spending the night in the bar with. And who ended up getting hit in the face by one of the locals for joking around a bit. Poor guy. 

Luke, Jaime and I our first night in El Nido 

The next day we rented scooters to go to waterfalls and beautiful beaches. Luke and I shared one and Alice and Louise another. On the tiniest roads close to the waterfalls we happened to run in to more of our Borocayfriends. Canadian Jeremy and Greham (that's not how you spell his name, but it makes more sense), and Sabine from holland. One of their scooters just broke down so they're waiting for someone to fix it. We left them to it and headed into the bush for the waterfall. It was a small one but allright still. We swam and jumped off cliffs for quite a while before heading back. After 20 minutes walking and having Louise describing all the different ways she could kill us, we got back to our bescooters. From there we headed for a magical beach. It was a hell of a road to get there. Dirty tracks and pools covering the whole pathway was not easy to get through. And with Luke on the back as well. Needless to say that he had to drive back. The beach was impressive still, even if we would have enjoyed it more with better weather. It was getting cloudy by the time we went. Sunset would have been amazing, but those roads in the dark? I don't think so.  

Jeremy and Greham met us at our hostel so that we could head for full moon party together. We bought drinks and headed for their place where we played rounds of 'ring of fire' before getting a tricycle to the full moon party. We met Jaimie as well who was doing some sort of lightshow. Alice somehow disappeared into a serious deeptalk with a local guy, as Louise went for a beach walk with Greham leaving Luke and I to think that they all went home without us. We soon realized that they'd never do that and we soon met up to head home together. The next day I felt terribly, terrible. Not only did I woke up with a hangover, but with a massive cold and fever. Good thing we had no plans for this day. We hung around at the beach, I had a afternoon nap before dinner, and fell back asleep as soon as we got back. I was not the best company this day. 

Island hopping, Palawan

We got ourselves booked into a wonderful island hopping tour. With snorkeling, islands, BBQ lunch, secret beach and hidden beach where you have to swim between and under the rocks to reach. It was ridicously beautiful. It's too bad it's getting into such a touristy thing which means we had to share the experience with tons of other people. The four of us still had the most fun together with our beers and silliness. Getting back to el nido we ran into a German friend of ours and ended up joining his friends for a few drinks at the dive center they're staying at. After a well needed shower and Alice's favorite dinner we went for games of pool before hitting the bars. After a long, intense but great day we finally found ourself walking back home, ready for bed. Louise and I was doing push-ups on the street, don't ask me why, but got told by Luke that we were doing it wrong. As he showed us how to do them correctly Alice stepped back to take a picture and accidently fell, up to her waist, right into the sewer.  The toiletwater from the houses that's running next to the streets. We found this extremely funny and of course - we laughed.  Louise and I who was already on the ground couldn't stand up for at least 20 minutes just laughing our asses off. We finally god ourself home, carrying Louise as she still laughed to hard to walk or talk. This didn't stop for over an hour. Never in my life have I seen someone laugh this hard. So hard that we stopped laughing at Alice and started laughing at Louise insteead. 

The four of us and three random locals we just met at the island 

One day of a long sleep in, and a trek to another waterfall brought us to an early night before spending our last day in el Nido diving. We booked it throught a new open dive center, and the friends of the German guy we've been hanging out with lately. It was again, amazing experience. During our first dive Luke, Alice, Louise and I dove together and our German friend joined us during the second one. It was a lot of fun and Alice and I had a session of pretty impressive dancemoves before heading up to the surface. After diving we headed to a deserted island for lunch. 

We realized that none of us had enough cash left to pay for the diving. El nido doesn't have any ATM's,  and no card readers. We tried everything. Australian banks are also stupid that way that you can't transfer any money whithout having a phone to receive a security code on SMS. After hours of struggling we managed to get it work through paypal, which would refuse to work at first. 

As we got back I spent hours and hours trying to book us a flightticket to Bankok the following day. We simply decided to skip our flight to Borneo and head to Laos instead. Mainly because it's redicously much cheaper to travel there, and it'd give me more time in Philippines. I frustrated myself with poor internet connection and Asian websites doing this. The prices raised and when I finally found a resonable ticket I got kicked out from the website four times just before purchasing my payment. I was just about giving up when Luke got his computer and booked it for me. One last night in el nido brought us back at 5 in the morning. After 3 hours sleep we had an emotional goodbye to our Australian friend before getting not the bus back to puerto princesa.  Our phillipino adventures had come to an end. 

Cambodia

It's a long non easy way travelling from Melbourne to Sihanoukville, Cambodia. After a last brunch with Stina at the Deli for goodbyes, I headed for the airport. 9 hours and 35 minutes to Bangkok felt like an eternity. Beeing to cheap to pay for the entertainment screen surely payed off.  I finally found myself back at the airport of Bangkok, 8.30 pm local time. I didn't really have any plans from there but I somehow convinced myself that there would be a nightbus waiting for me at the the airport. My quote 'the best plan is to have no plan' is probably not always the way to go. I headed straight for the tourist information where the man kindly informed me that there's no nightbuses going to Cambodia at this time, but that I could wait for the one leaving at 11 am. Beeing to overexcited to see my dear long lost sister I was not looking forward to spend 14 hours at the airport before beeing able to move in her direction. There must be a better option. Taking a shot I got into a taxi to the local bus station 45 minutes and 400 bath away. There's better be a bus. I tried to ask the taxi driver whether the bus station was still open at this times, or if I was just wasting my time. The only thing I got out of his answer was that he offered to drive me all the way to sihanoukville for $500. I was tempted. 

At 10.03 pm I got dropped of at the bus station. I ran up to the counter and asked for the next bus to Trat, which would be the city closest to the border. She gave me a ticket and told me to run, there's a bus leaving at 10. On shaky legs I got myself a seat on the bus I shared with only locals as we took of. 5 sleepy hours later and beeing the only one left at the bus I got to Trat. Despite that it was 3 am I cuddled up next to Bert on a bench and slept until the first bus was leaving to the border. 

Getting pass immigration was easy and way more comfortable when your away from the crowds. While at the Cambodian side I had to figure out how to get to sihanoukville. Just that last bit. I got on the back of a moto taking me to the bus stop. 

'8 o clock' he said and pointed at his armwatch. 15 minutes. 

I was happier than ever, knowing that my sister was only a few hours away. And with the wind in my hair gliding pass the beauty of Cambodia. I should be worried about missing this bus, but I wasn't. This little journey had proved to me that everything's always works out the way it should. At least so far. As we got into to the city we saw the bus driving away. Did I miss it? My driver started shouting in Cambodian to the locals behind us who started pointing in the direction we just saw the bus leaving. The driver turned around and went straight after it. We got just behind it and when the driver realized that we were hunting them he stopped for us. People are so nice. I thanked my driving hero to pieces while entering the bus that in 4 hours would bring me to the reunion with my sister. 

Sihanoukville

I found her beautiful smile in the cafeteria of 'Led zephyrs' having hangover breakfast with Louise. After tons of hugs and 'OMG I can't believe you're here' I joined them. I hadn't had anything to eat since my breakfast with Stina, 32 hours ago. Fried noodles have never tasted that good. Louise's hangover brought her back to bed while Alice and I went for the beach. We couldn't stop talking. We chatted the hours away in a way you can only talk with you sister. God - I've missed her. 

That night I dragged Alice and Louise out to the bars even if they're still recovering from yesterday. I was like 'I'm not spending my only night in sihanoukville in bed'. We played killer pool with an English- American group of guys, went pub crawling for free drinks and ended up with an ocean swim.  I also happened to run into Hanna at one of the bars! a Swedish friend of mine that Eric and I hung out with in Melbourne. Small world, huh? 

Koh Rong

We caught the boat to Koh Rong the next morning, with its beautiful nature, beaches and cosy atmosphere. We spend the day at the beach and the night at the bar after running into the crazy Irish boys that kept Alice and Louise up all night just before I arrived. And they was about to do it again. 'Drop and give me 10' became a standard game among them when you basically challenge someone to get down and do 10 push-ups, or the almont that you wish. You can do this anywhere, anytime as long as the person who announce it does it as well. If you refuse, you simply have to take your pants off. I tried this with Alice and Louise way later. Sadly enough without any success. 

The next day we went for the trek across the island to Long beach. Remembering that last time I was doing that, Caroline and I followed the wrong track for ages I promised myself and my company not to that again. Even I'd I wasn't the one leading us the right way we finally found ourselves in paradise. 7 km of the whitest sand and clear blue water. And sand flies. How could I forget the sand flies? After hours on the beach getting eaten alive and caught bites that would haunt us for weeks, we watched the sun set at the horizon as we took the long boat back to our beach. 

We ran into our English-American group of friends again that night and who kept us company until we were ready for bed. We had a boat to catch in the morning. 

To Siem Reap

We took the boat back to sihanoukville where we spend the day getting massages, getting our laundry done and doing absolutely nothing in the bar of 'led zephyr' as we waited for the nightbus to take us to Siem reap. I've never had a better sleep at a bus than this one. There was no seats at all, but bunk bets covering the inside. One bed was to share between two people, which wouldn't be a problem if you don't happen to found yourself next to a greasy old man. As a young girl, that would make you feel highly uncomfortable. I told Alice and Louise that if that happens to me I'd jump in with them. They got the biggest bed of all, the one across in the back and had heaps of free space. I had to share my bed with a girl, but ended up giving my seat away and get cosy with Alice and Louise anyway. There was one poor little girl sitting on the floor cause she refused to get on next to the wierd old man in front. I gave her my seat and she couldn't be more appreciative. 16 hours on a bus on bumpy roads took us to Sihanoukville. We dumped our bags on a hostel for the day and went for a shopping tour. I was in desperately need to get myself a backpack instead of my cotton- salvos bag I've been dragging round over one shoulder so far. And we had to Louise a new phone as her IPhone got stolen that night in sihanoukville, just before I got there. 

Our flight was leaving at midnight, and we had a tuk tuk to pick us up and drive us to the airport. We spend our last hours in Siem reap at pub street with the Angkor beers. Just as we ordered the third round we realized how how late it got and had to down it in one before heading back for our pickup.

We got to the airport with plenty of time, but was refused to enter the plane that would take us to the Philipines without having an outgoing ticket. 

'Well, we don't have an outgoing ticket' I tried but got explained that without an outgoing ticket they could not let us on the plain. I quickly borrowed their computer and booked us the cheapest ticket out of there, 3 weeks later. Borneo. I always wanted to go there anyway. 

And so we entered the plane, full of excitement for our next destination. Phillipines. 

Tasmania, Australia

I got a ticket to Tasmania as a birthday present to Stina who desperately need some time away from work, and who have a good friend in Hobart we could stay at. We woke up at 3.30 am that morning to get a cab to the skybus that'd take us to Hobart that morning.  A. We got there after an hour in the flight. As soon as we walked out of the airport in stood waiting in the cold I realized that I probably did not bring enough clothes. In Melbourne the wether is just starting to get warmer. Apparently that's not for Tasmania. We got picked up by Frank, who quickly showed us around battery point and Salamanca market for a coffee, before driving us home to his. Feeling extremely jet lagged after our one hour flight within the same time zone, Stina and I hit the napping land. We didn't do much the rest of the day except strolling around the city, drinking beer and playing pool. That is after all what we're best at. 

Mona's

We hit the harbourcruice to Mona's art gallery the next morning. The $75 million Museum of old and new art is the owners own collection of his favorite art from across the world. The extraordinary installation is arrayed between three underground levels concealed inside a sheer rock face. It was all pretty impressive. It got something for everyone, even the non art fans. Rooms of paintings, wierd lights, rain that creates words, a wall full of different skulptured vaginas, pictures, stories, movies you name it.  Wegot given an iPhone each where you could track every different installation and read about it. 

Mt Wellington

We packed our leftover food from last night for today's day trip up the famous mt Wellington, just half an hour away from Hobart. It's possible to take the shuttle bus all the way to the top, and many people do this. For us, that'd be taking the elevator up kebnekaise. The feeling of beeing at the top of a montain is not only the fact that you're actually there, but that you've actually earned to be there. So we hiked! It is not a hard trek, only a few hours up and down. Comparing to my hiking experiences, and Stina's adventures up the Nepal Himalayan, this was more like gliding up a hill. 

We're prepeaed for cold weather and put on literally all our clothes. Saying that, we still wasn't dressed for trekking. While at the bus stop the driver asked us where we're going. 

'Fern hill, climbing my Wellington' 

With a worried look she scanned us up and down, then up again. We were both wearing jeans, I was in leather jacket and trainers, Stina got her regular boots. 

'You know it gets a bit cold up there, do you have any rain gear?' 

'Oh, We will be fine' we said as we took a seat. Not worried at all. 

We got off at Fern tree, where we went off in between the trees in a jungle of different tracks having no idea which one to follow. We took a change and followed one that would sure take us the right direction. Up!  

As we started walking my fears for not bringing enough clothes was long gone. I was stupidly hot, desperately regretting not bringing my shorts. As sweat ran down my face I started considering taking my jeans off to make my top into a tiny skirt. I'm glad I didn't do that. 

We found ourselves on the right track and about 2,5 hours along the zigzag track took us to the top of mount Wellington. Terribly strong wind hit us straight in the face and tried to blow us straight back down. We fought it desperately trying to run and hide, but the wind kept hunting us down.  Finally reaching the other side of the top we got into the top hut, where it wasn't necessary warmer but where we could escape the wind. We enjoyed our lunch together with beautiful scenery, before heading out facing the horribly cold again while trying to enjoy the view. We ran across the top field to keep our blood circulation going and as soon as we got down only a few meters the wind was gone. Aahh. We much rather sat enjoying the view from there than freezing to death on the top. 

Our beautiful singingvoices and several rounds of 'Bohemian Rhapsody' accompanied us all the way back down to fern tree. We enjoying a cold beer in sunshine, a few rounds of pool before heading back to Hobart. 

Eagle Hawk neck

Saturday morning we headed for the famous Salamancan market. A bit under my expectations to be honest. Similar to any other market, and pricy. We had a stroll around, enjoyed a coffe in the sunshine before catching a bus that'd take us to Eagle hawk neck. 

I knew nothing about eagle hawk neck other than what I've been told by my precious lonely planet. Tasman peninsula is connected to the mainland with only a 100 meter strip, thats eagle hawk neck. And It seemed to be a beautiful location, got a cheap hostel and with the famous history attraction 'port Arthur' close by. Feeling the need of a city getaway we simply decided to give it a shot. Jumping on a local bus we got drop off next to a tiny roadway supposedly leading to our hostel. We were basically in the middle of nowhere. Not knowing exactly where this little roadway would take us we followed it. We finally reached the hostel after about 2 km just to face the sign 'no vacancy'. Luckily they had put a number underneath referring to the dive center. Despite the fact of being in the middle of nowhere we wasn't given any phone signal.  We looked at the sign, than at eachother and laughed. What else can you do in situations like this? It was getting dark, and we hadn't had anything to eat since breakfast. Having no idea where this hostel was we couldn't do else than turn around walking back the same way we came from. A police car drive by and stopped right next to us.

'Hey girls, where are you going?' 

'Well, we honestly don't really know anymore' we said, referring to the sign. 

He offered to drive us to the dive center and we got in the car. About 5km uphill took us took us to the hostel. Needless to say that we was well happy not having to walk all that way. 

We woke up to the sound of sunshine (?) and headed out for a long beach walk along 'Pirate bay'. This bay view extended to the rugged coastline beyond is truly incredible. We stopped for magnificent lookouts and precipitous coastal formations such as 'tessellated pavement', 'Blowhole' and 'Tasman Arch'.  We had better weather than south east Australia have faced in months and got sunburned for the first time since Easter. This truly improved our mood even more. On our way back we were on a supermarket mission. Beeing in the middle of nowhere this isn't easy to find. As Stina ran out of cigarettes and I ran out of tampons we considered ourselves being in a quite desperate situation. We managed to find a little kiosk up a hill who could supplie us with what we needed for the day. 

Port Arthur

Not knowing where the bus stop was, if there existed one, we decided to hitchhike to the historical site 'Port Arthur'. We had just only put our thumbs up when the man outside a house across the street started shouting at us. 

'Where're you girls going?'

'Port Arthur', we yelled back

'Might have a friend who can drive you there, he works as a bus driver. Let me just give him a quick call'  

We could see him talking with over the phone and not more than 10 minutes later an empty tourbus stopped at the road, right next to us. He was driving a group from Hobart to Port Arthur and back in the afternoon and had some spare time to kill. We thanked him lots and booked us in for the ride back to Hobart later that day. 

As Tasman peninsula is connected to the mainland with only a 100 meter strip it use to confine prisoners who had committed further crimes in the colony. From 1830 - 1877, 12500 convicts did hard brutal prison time at port Arthur. We cruised around the Harbour for a bit around the island there they used to keep prisoners as well. Then we spend the day walking around all the tiny houses, this little community. To see how people lived, read along and improve our acknowledge of the Tasmanian history. 

Back to Hobart

Our day back in Hobart before heading back to Melbourne we spend on the Hobart museum. We took it easy thought as we felt quite 'outcultured' after our adventures at Mona's and port Arthur. I did found it interesting how well you could connect that history to the one from port Arthur. How the Brittish colonies came taking over Tasmania and where some of them in the end ended up at port Arthur. 

We got into a bit of trouble with our flight back to Melbourne. As I happened to read my email earlier the same day I came across the information that our flight had been cancelled. Since I had a flight from Melbourne to Bankok the next day I was in desperate need to get into Melbourne tonight. After what felt like hours on the phone queue we finally got in contact with Jetstar who kindly enought booked us on another flight a few hours earlier. Lucky I checked my email in time. As they never sent me a confirmation mail we ended up getting ourselves to the airport hours before, just to be safe.